In Search of Essence: The Origin and Evolution of Human Values (an Islamic Perspective)

The whole universe is organized on patterns that are set by the Lord of the Worlds. Nothing is chaotic or astray, even when they appear to be so. We perceive these patterns as mysterious when we do not understand them, but as soon as their reality is revealed, they become as easy and as definite as simple mathematics. The matter has to do with our perception. Before Newton, falling apples from trees, was a mysterious phenomenon that could not be explained, but would be easily referred to spirits and ghosts wars! When Newton discovered gravity and derived its governing laws, the mystery became as obvious as simple math. In social matters, the patterns are more complicated to experiment and to conclude. In spite of the good progress that we may claim, we are far beyond, and are still inexperienced beginners. Most, if not all, of what we unanimously agree upon today, was preached to our ancestors by a humanity leader who was tutored by a prophet or was himself a prophet. What we experiment ourselves are just confirmations to what was revealed and preached earlier. The Koran offers an easy but definite guide to social prosperity and happiness, and stands unchallenged and incomparable as the only intact Holy Book since the creation of Adam. It documents all social patterns that humanity would need for prosperous and happy life journey on earth and joyful eternal destination in the life after. These patterns stand perfect, either to be embraced or to be derived.

Sami Al Jardaly was born in Sidon, Lebanon. A mechanical engineer started his carrier in the crude oil refining and then in the metallurgical industry. When became involved in general management, he attained an executive MBA in Corporate Finance. Searching for the patterns that govern success of human communities, and wondering about the psychology behind individual and collective human behaviors that lead to success or failure, he attained a PHD in Social Psychology. In his book In Search of Essence, Dr. Al Jardaly explored the roots of human values. He introduced an Islamic perspective about how did human values evolve before reaching the level of unanimous acceptance. Then he demonstrated that social patterns are like any other pattern of life, scientific laws for example, when observed, prosperity is germinated and when violated disappointment and failure are predominant.